Heat Dome Over Europe Sets Record May Temperatures In UK And France

A heat dome over Europe pushed temperatures to record levels for May, with the UK’s Met Office saying Monday was the hottest May day on record as the mercury hit 33.5C at Heathrow near London by 1pm.

The South China Morning Post said the Met Office measured 33.5 degrees at Heathrow at 1pm, and that it was 1.3 degrees more than the previous benchmark recorded in 1922 and 1944.

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In France, the Guardian reported that Météo France recorded new monthly highs for May at 352 weather stations mainly in western France, with the highest – 37.1C – registered near Hossegor in the south-western department of Landes.

The Guardian also said the heat episode was expected to last several more days, with temperatures exceeding norms by 12C or 13C, while Météo France attributed the record temperatures to a heat dome trapping hot air from Morocco under an area of high pressure.

In the UK, the BBC said the provisional figure of 34.8C was recorded at Kew Gardens, and that the Met Office warned the heat would be exceptional even in mid-summer, let alone in May.

The BBC quoted the Met Office saying, "This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May," as it warned the mercury could rise further on Tuesday with possible 35C heat in parts of England.

In the same BBC report, Met Office chief operational meteorologist Dan Suri said the exceptionally high temperatures were caused by "the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK."

BBC

In France, the Guardian reported that 31 of metropolitan France’s 96 administrative departments were placed on high-temperature alert until Tuesday, including eight on level orange, requiring residents to "take precautions."

The Guardian also quoted climate scientist Christophe Cassou telling Le Monde that the event was "an unprecedented event with a one in 1,000 chance of happening at this time of year" based on climate from 1979 to 2025.

In the UK, the Northwich Guardian said its forecasters’ previous study found breaking the record "is around three times more likely now in our current climate" than in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions.

As heat warnings spread, the BBC said the UK Health Security Agency issued its first amber-heat health alert of 2026 covering much of England, and that both amber and yellow alerts would remain in place until 17:00 BST Wednesday.

“- Published The UK has recorded its all-time highest May temperature as part of London reached 34”

BBC

The BBC also reported that around 500 properties in Sussex and Kent were left without water, or had intermittent supply due to "increased demand," on Monday afternoon, while South East Water said it was working "as quickly and safely as possible" to resolve the issues.

In France, the Guardian said the record temperatures were expected to continue, with Météo France forecasting temperatures could climb locally to near 36C in multiple towns and to 37C on Tuesday.

The South China Morning Post described restrictions on working outdoors in parts of Italy, while the Northwich Guardian said parts of central and southern England faced further forecasts of up to 36C on Tuesday as heatwaves continued.

In the UK, the Northwich Guardian said the AA warned that the interior of vehicles can reach 60C on a day when the outside temperature is 27C, and it urged drivers to rest about every two hours and avoid travelling over the hottest times of day.